The report, compiled by media researchers Screen Digest in association with the Format Recognition and Protection Association (Frapa), suggested there was no signs in the trend slowing up.

In the past three years there has been a 35% rise in the number of formatted shows, with Australia, Sweden, Norway and France all keen to snap up popular programmes for their own audiences.

Makeover trend

Germany is the biggest importer of formatted shows, picking up the majority of popular programmes including Big Brother and Pop Idol.

Gameshows dominate, taking up 50% of the total hours dedicated to format TV, largely due to the success of Who Wants to be a Millionaire?.

Reality shows such as Big Brother, Survivor and Fame Academy account for 25% of broadcasting time dedicated to format TV.

The fastest-growing genre is makeover shows such as The Swan and Extreme Makeover, which Living TV bought from the US for a UK version.

"The format industry is here to stay and the rapid grown in the volume and value of the format business in the last three years is a testament to an industry going from strength to strength," said report author Daniel Schmitt.